The Neighbour Centre Dinner Club

The Rotary Club of Edmonton Whyte Avenue has steadfastly supported the Dinner Club through the weekly participation of Rotary volunteers and by supporting special events, such as their Summer BBQ and Christmas dinner.

 

With the support of a district grant, the Rotary Club of Edmonton Whyte Avenue donated $7,200 towards the continuation of the Dinner Club this year.

Dear Rotarians,

 

I regret that I was not able to be at your AGM this evening. I have had been caring for my mom and I lost track of the calendar. There should be no excuse, but it is an explanation of how I was distracted and missed an opportunity to meet you and thank you on behalf of Dinner Club, The Neighbour Centre and the Mustard Seed.

 

The Rotarians who participate in Dinner Club each month, bring their passion for good food and creative menu rescuing when ingredients are missing or have gone sour.  The participants who attend who are struggling in poverty look forward to the great conversation, flexible atmosphere and openness to contribute to the cooking decisions. Often our participants are accomplished cooks, they just no longer have a kitchen, or ingredients or both to make their meals. And the Rotarians who come are amazing chefs! Marilyn is often rescuing the main course, while Kristen and Kathy always add that extra ingredient that push our meals to the gourmet level. And Betty makes the best crumbles.

 

We also hear stories of people cooking for the first time and the becoming quite proficient in the kitchen. And some are content to be dishwasher or set the table. There is a role and a place for those who come.

 

Last week, we welcomed Kevin and though he confessed he couldn’t cook, none of us took ill from his efforts, instead we enjoyed his story telling and enthusiasm.

 

But, it is the smiles, the open arms of acceptance, the non-judging attitude and care that you Rotarians bring to our kitchen that is the most important ingredient. You see the value in each human being, you encourage, you stand firm when someone falls so they know they can get up again, and you will be there. This is Dinner Club, and the mysterious healing power of cooking together and sharing a meal can have. You Rotarians bring a generous space for so many to fit in. Thank you.

 

At Dinner Club everyone brings a little expertise, a little brokenness and a willingness to be present and witness what is possible, what is valued in the other, and discover the gift that cooking together and sharing meal can bring. The gift is not a full belly, though that is nice and what many come for, however, it seems that the real gift is being able to fit in, to belong, to be part of creating something that is safe and comforting for volunteers and participants. It is a moment among chaos  that reminds us we are all in this messy life together.

We don’t fix anything at Dinner Club unless it is part of the meal.  None of us are there to be fixed. Instead, we may come for an adjustment of our heart.

 

We have seen tears, and heard stories of great suffering. We have heard bitterness and despair, and we did not run away. Instead we listened. And then, we ate together, cleaned up and hugged as we left for the evening.

 

We laugh a lot and there are arguments on how to make an apple crisp, or who has done the most dishes, but in the end, it can best be described  (as one participant said) as “  family” .

 

Last week, we received 7 new participants. Two were newly homeless, and living rough in the valley, one was suffering with cancer and another of the 7 expressed how he was surprised about how much it meant to him to be part of this evening. The veteran participants helped to guide the newbies and the volunteers did their best to create opportunities to participate and get to know the new people. It was a buzz of activity and caring and new friendships.

 

One thing that has happened from Dinner Club is the growing volunteerism of participants. Two participants helped make lunches for three months for the Neighbour Centre, and there is a desire for a Seniors Breakfast Club. As people feel valued and part of something, an amazing thing happens… and as Rotarians you know what that is called.

 

Thank you for the faithful partnership with Dinner Club, for the financial gift and your great example.

 

And again, please accept my apologies for missing the meeting and being able to thank you in person.

 

Mary Murphy

Community Food Program Coordinator